Monday, 24th January 2005 (4545 views)

Gold is now being used to manufacture permanent teeth in dental implants.

The permanent teeth are normally made out of porcelain, or a combination of porcelain and metal.

Sometimes a gold alloy is used, or a base metal with no gold.

The cost of dental implants ranges from $4,000 (£1,800) up to $25,000 (£14,000).

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry is pioneering the treatment, whereby the teeth are inserted into an artificial mould following extensive dental reconstruction.

After gum and bone has healed, a mould made of a material called Belleglass is inserted into the patient's mouth.

A final impression of wax is taken with the implant screws and then the gold teeth are fixed to the screws.

 

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